Kelowna residents dealing with multiple cougar sightings – Okanagan

Residents of a Kelowna, B.C., neighbourhood are on alert following experiences of a number of cougar sightings.

Since Friday, there have been a number of experiences of cougar sightings across the Rutland space, with footage of a sizeable wild cat sauntering by means of yards.

In the present day, residents stated that Conservation Officers are within the space attempting to lure the animal.

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One other residential cougar siting in Okanagan neighbourhood

Whereas they’ve but to return calls, Conservation Officer Ken Owen stated throughout an earlier cougar sighting that the cats are usually nocturnal and usually prey on their out there meals supply throughout the areas they dwell. This food plan can embrace primarily deer, which additionally dwell throughout the Metropolis of Kelowna.

“A cougar’s means to journey lengthy distances sometimes brings these cats into seemingly inappropriate areas, even locations densely settled by people. Such appearances are nearly at all times temporary, with the animal shifting alongside shortly in its search of an appropriate everlasting house,” Owens stated.

Whether or not that’s the case with these sightings stays to be seen, provided that they span a few days.

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The British Columbia Ministry of Setting estimates the cougar inhabitants inside B.C. to be roughly 7,000 animals. Although cougars are seldom seen, the general public ought to be conscious they’re current and at uncommon instances journey by means of rural residential areas.

In case you encounter a cougar

• STOP: By no means strategy or feed a cougar at any time for any cause.
• KEEP BACK: At the very least 100 meters.
• STAY CALM: Detour round any cougar, give it area and don’t run. Keep eye contact, by no means flip your again, communicate in a assured voice and slowly again out of the world. Sudden actions might provoke an assault.
• KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE: All the time preserve kids close by and in sight. Decide up all babies instantly.
• AVOID WALKING ALONE.
• BE PREPARED: Make the most of pure obstacles and preserve bushes or different massive obstacles between you and the cougar. Carry Bear Spray, a strolling stick and noise makers to make use of for defense. Make noise to keep away from shock encounters.
• If a cougar approaches — stand your floor, seem massive, make noise, maintain your coat open, increase your arms and don’t bend over or crouch down. Use a stick or rock and deploy your bear spray for defense.
• If a cougar assaults — combat again.
• PETS: Canines might provoke a cougar assault. Hold pets on a leash or at house.

To report sightings or to acquire additional data name the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.